If you're like most Aussies, your beach towel goes everywhere with you in summer. From sunrise swims to lazy afternoons on the sand, it’s part of your lifestyle. But have you ever stopped to think about what it’s made from – or how many single-use plastics went into the one you’re lying on?
Eco-friendly beach towels have exploded in popularity recently, and with good reason. They’re not just a smart choice for the planet – they’re often softer, lighter, and more stylish too. The best part? You don’t have to compromise on comfort or design to do better for the environment.
So what makes a towel “eco”? Are they actually worth the hype? And how do you pick the best eco-friendly beach towel Australia has to offer? We break it all down here.
Why Eco-Friendly Beach Towels Are Trending
More Australians than ever are thinking about sustainability – and that includes the things we buy, pack and take to the beach.
Traditional beach towels are often made with virgin cotton or polyester blends that rely heavily on water, chemicals and energy to produce. They can also wear out quickly, fade fast, and contribute to microplastic pollution – especially when washed.
In contrast, many of today’s eco beach towels are:
Made from post-consumer recycled materials (like plastic bottles)
More durable and longer-lasting
Designed to dry faster, reducing energy use
Lighter to ship and pack, meaning lower carbon impact
This shift isn’t just about reducing your footprint – it’s also about quality. People want products that last longer, work better, and align with their values.
What Makes a Beach Towel “Eco”?
Here’s what to look for when choosing a more sustainable beach towel Australia style:
Recycled Materials
The gold standard right now is towels made from recycled plastic bottles (often labelled as rPET or recycled polyester). At Nomadique, each towel repurposes around 20–30 plastic bottles – giving waste a new life and reducing demand for virgin plastics.
Ethical Manufacturing
An eco towel isn’t truly sustainable if it’s made in poor working conditions. Look for brands that prioritise ethical manufacturing, use small-batch production, or partner with certified factories.
Durability and Longevity
The most sustainable option is the one that lasts. A towel that stays soft, dries fast, and doesn’t fade means fewer replacements – and less waste in the long run.
Minimal Packaging
Plastic-free packaging, compostable wraps or reusable carry pouches are a great sign your towel is made with intention.
Carbon-Conscious Shipping
Some Aussie brands offset their shipping emissions or offer carbon-neutral delivery – a nice bonus when you’re ordering beach towels in Australia online.
Why Aussies Are Switching to Eco Towels
From Bondi to Broome, here’s why more and more people are choosing eco-friendly beach towels:
They’re lighter and easier to pack
They dry up to 3x faster than cotton
They don’t cling to sand
They roll down to fit in smaller bags
They feel buttery soft (not stiff or scratchy)
They align with personal values around sustainability
Whether you’re heading out for a long trip up the coast or just want a better towel for daily swims, it makes sense to choose one that works smarter – and treads lighter.
Nomadique’s Eco Approach
At Nomadique, we designed our entire range of beach towels Australia style with sustainability front of mind. Here’s how:
Recycled plastic bottles – each towel saves waste from landfill
Ethically produced in small batches
Free from harmful dyes or coatings
Built to last multiple seasons
Compact and lightweight for low-impact shipping
We believe good design shouldn’t cost the planet. That’s why we’ve blended function, form and eco-thinking into everything – especially our bestselling Amalfi Travel Towel with Pocket.
What About Performance?
Let’s be clear – sustainable doesn’t mean boring. If anything, our customers tell us they prefer our eco-friendly beach towels over traditional options because they perform better.
Faster dry time
Better sand resistance
Softer texture
Stylish modern prints
More travel-friendly (lightweight and compact)
The idea that sustainable = basic? Outdated. The best beach towels Australia is known for right now are clever, cool, and planet-conscious.
How to Make Your Beach Days More Sustainable
Choosing a better towel is a great first step, but here are a few more ways to lighten your footprint this summer:
Ditch single-use plastics – bring your own bottle, cutlery and tote
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Pick up a few pieces of rubbish every time you visit the beach
Support Aussie-owned brands that manufacture responsibly
Choose slow fashion and products that last
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Every small switch makes a difference.
Are Eco Towels More Expensive?
In some cases, yes – but they’re worth it.
You’re paying for higher quality materials, ethical production, and thoughtful design. But when you factor in how long they last (and how much better they feel), they’re actually more cost-effective over time.
Plus, with so many great beach towels in Australia to choose from now, there are options for every budget – including multipacks, sales, and bundles.
What Customers Say
“It feels amazing. You’d never guess it was made from plastic bottles. My old cotton towel is in the cupboard now – this one goes everywhere with me.” – Cass, Gold Coast
“It dries so fast and the sand doesn’t stick at all. Plus the colours are beautiful and haven’t faded after heaps of washes.” – Mia, Melbourne
“I love knowing that my towel actually helped remove plastic from the environment. Such a simple swap.” – Jordan, Sydney
What to Avoid When Buying “Eco” Towels
Greenwashing is a real thing – and not every towel marketed as “eco” really is. Watch out for:
Vague claims like “sustainable” with no detail
No transparency on materials or where it’s made
Cotton blends marketed as sand-free or quick-dry (they’re not)
Plastic packaging or over-the-top branding
Always check what the towel is made from and how the brand supports its eco claims.
Why a Zip Pocket Makes It Even Better
Want to make your beach towel Australia choice even smarter? Go for one with a hidden zip pocket.
This simple feature means you can stash your essentials (card, phone, keys) safely inside – without needing to bring a separate bag or hide them in your shoe.
It’s especially useful if you’re travelling solo, heading to the beach after a hike, or just want peace of mind while you swim.
→ Check out our full towel range with pockets
Final Thoughts
So – are eco-friendly beach towels worth it? 100%. They’re better for the planet, better for your skin, and way better at doing what towels are supposed to do.
If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, let this be your sign. It’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make – and one of the most satisfying.
Shop local. Choose recycled. Skip the sand and soak up the sun, knowing your towel is working as hard for the planet as it is for you.
→ Don’t have the perfect towel yet? Shop our full travel and beach towel range
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